Kornstad
Single engine
Jazzland

Jazz is a strange beast, and I can understand why many people of my age bracket are not quite as impressed by the genre as those of previous generations - though this statement by no means condones this depraved, limiting attitude towards music. If there was vote for the contemporary artist to impress upon people the importance of the jazz movement, I would most likely throw my voice behind that of Norwegian talent Håkon Kornstad. "Single engine" is one of the most engaging and interesting jazz albums I've heard in quite a while, nearly on par with John Coltrane's "Ballads", whose wonderful "You don't know what love is" was brought to mind as I listened to Kornstad's "Korkade". Vocals seem totally unnecessary as Kornstad's saxophone provides a medium, as playful as it can be mournful, through which to reminisce, to create (for I've found writing to jazz has actually been one of the finest uses of my time), or to just relax after a long day of running so hard to stay in one place, or push oneself a few inches closer to that ultimate goal. "Ambergris" feels almost like the jazz equivalent to Sigur Rós' powerful "Untitled 3". If you've ever been curious about jazz, pick up a few Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Michael Becker albums. Then, if you're thoroughly smitten, you'll be in the perfect place to be overwhelmed by this Norwegian's fabulous narratives. He's the frontrunner of the current lot.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson